El Pollo Loco Inc. has signed a multi-unit development deal to open four restaurants in Seattle.

Owned and operated by Jean-Paul Pirio, who owns five restaurants and bars throughout south Puget Sound, the restaurant will feature an enhanced digitized experience, including Pollo To Go cubbies for mobile to-go and delivery orders, digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up, integrated with the company's mobile app. It also has a dining room that potentially opens up to a patio area, as well as a drive-thru and designated curbside pick-up parking.

"Restaurants are all I've done my whole life. My first job ever was restaurants. All I've ever known was waiting tables, busing tables…" Pirio said in a company press release. "When I began researching different franchise opportunities, I was looking for a unique concept with a rich tradition that had the ability to bring people together around food, family and culture. I found the perfect match with El Pollo Loco and can't wait to introduce local customers to the brand's signature chicken, handcrafted Mexican entrees and assortment of healthy offerings."

While leases have yet to be signed, Pirio is eyeing Federal Way, Kent, Tacoma and Puyallup, among other areas, for potential sites.

"Jean-Paul is an experienced restaurateur and we're honored to partner with such an inspiring and well-known individual in the Seattle community," Brian Carmichall, El Pollo Loco's chief development officer, said in the release. "El Pollo Loco's proven business model paired with the industry know-how of a seasoned pro like Jean-Paul is a winning combination, and we're confident his locations will thrive."

Over the next few years, the chain will remodel over 300 of the its 483 restaurants and open 140 restaurants in select markets such as California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas and Washington.

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